18 Questions
What is a biomarker?
A biological molecule indicating a normal or abnormal process
In the context of disease, what does prognosis refer to?
The future outcome of a disease
Which type of enzymes have a high level of activity in plasma compared to tissue cells?
Plasma-specific enzymes
How are enzymes used as biomarkers in the diagnosis/prognosis of diseases?
By being plasma-specific and performing functions in blood
Which of the following is an example of a plasma-specific enzyme?
Thrombin
What is the primary function of enzymes as biomarkers in diagnosing and tracking diseases?
To provide information about specific disease processes
What is the primary reason for the presence of intracellular enzymes in their cells of origin?
Defective cell membrane
Which factor does not affect serum enzyme levels?
Glucose excess
What is the primary indicator of hepatocellular injury?
Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate transaminase (AST)
What is ischemia characterized by?
Deficient supply of blood to a body part
Which enzyme is not used to assess cardiac function?
Alanine transaminase (ALT)
What is the primary indicator of pancreatic function?
Serum amylase and lipase
What percentage of plasma oncotic pressure is maintained by albumin?
80%
In hypoalbuminemia, which of the following can cause increased losses of albumin?
Increased catabolism in infections
What is the main effect of hypoalbuminemia related to edema?
Low oncotic pressure
Which of the following can be a cause of hyperalbuminemia?
Dehydration
What are tumor markers used for?
Diagnosis and management of a tumor
What is a function of albumin related to transport in the blood?
Transporting lipid-soluble molecules
Study Notes
Albumin Functions
- Maintains oncotic pressure (80% of plasma oncotic pressure)
- Regulates fluid distribution in and outside cells
- Maintains plasma volume
- Plays a buffering role
- Transports lipid-soluble molecules, hormones, calcium, and drugs in blood
Hypoalbuminemia
- Causes: decreased albumin synthesis, increased volume of albumin distribution, and increased losses of albumin
- Effects: edema due to low oncotic pressure, reduced transport of substances in plasma, and albumin level drops in liver disease causing low oncotic pressure
Hyperalbuminemia
- Cause: dehydration
- Tumor markers: α-fetoprotein (AFP) and prostate specific antigen (PSA)
- α-fetoprotein: high levels in newborn babies, low levels in adults
Biomarkers
- Definition: a biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that indicates a normal or abnormal process, such as a condition or disease
- Used for diagnosis and follow-up of disease
- Examples: α-fetoprotein, PSA, and enzymes (e.g., ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, troponin, and CPK)
Enzymatic Diagnosis and Prognosis of Disease
- Enzymes used clinically in three ways: as indicators (biomarkers), analytical reagents, and therapeutic agents
- Plasma-specific enzymes: normally present in plasma, perform functions in blood, and have high levels of activity in plasma
- Nonplasma-specific enzymes: present inside cells, released into body fluids in high concentrations due to cell damage or defective cell membrane
Assessment of Organ Function
- Liver function: alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) for hepatocellular injury, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) for cholestasis
- Cardiac function: troponin and creatinine phosphokinase (CPK)
- Pancreatic function: serum amylase and lipase
Explore the role of biochemical markers in diagnosing and monitoring diseases. Learn about enzymatic and plasma protein markers, as well as tumor markers such as α-fetoprotein and PSA. Understand the significance of biomarkers in indicating normal or abnormal processes in the body.
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